ASUS: Difference between revisions - Consumer Rights Wiki

(2 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)

Line 13:

==Incidents==

===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===

In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.

Line 28:

Line 29:

Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010005/https://old.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ Archived])</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005411/https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%C2%B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 Archived])</ref>

Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops ~~Asus~~ addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) </ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.

Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops ASUS addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) </ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.

==Privacy concerns==

===Data collection in router firmware===

On the 8th of April 2026, ASUS has activated a new Privacy Notice to all users of ASUS Routers. The statement is as follows:

----

''ASUS Privacy Notice / ASUS EU Data Act Notice''

''Welcome to use this ASUS Software/web GUI/multi-site manager interface (“this Software”/ “this Interface”) for ASUS networking products (“ASUS Product”)!''

''ASUS collects personal data in order to run and improve the products and/or services. You can visit the privacy settings page at "Administration > Policy" to change how this personal data is shared. Some personal data may also be shared with third parties for the above purposes. If you choose <Decline>, this Software or Interface may not work correctly, as personal data is needed for some essential functions. Click "here" for details.''

''ASUS EU Data Act Notice (for EU products): During your use of this Software/Interface, your data (“Product Data”) in connection with this ASUS product (“Connected Product”) governed by the EU Data Act may be generated. Click "here" for details.''

''<ref>[https://nw-dlcdnet.asus.com/support/forward.html?model=&type=Policy&lang=EN&kw=&num= Find out more in the ASUS Privacy Policy / ASUS EU Data Act Policy.]</ref>''

''(To protect children’s privacy, generally this Software/Interface will not collect their personal data except when providing with upgrades addressing important security issues or meeting legal/regulatory requirements as mentioned in paragraph 2(1) of "Personal Data" page.)''

----

This text appears for every user of ASUS router products and can't be put aside until an absolute consent or decline is being pressed. If a user selects decline, the following text is displayed:

----

''Please be advised that disagreeing with ASUS PRIVACY NOTICE may result in the inability to update to the latest firmware version and unable to receive the most up-to-date protection on your ASUS networking products; However, to protect the security of your router and ensure the compliance with laws, for upgrades addressing important security issues or meeting legal/regulatory requirements , those upgrades will still be downloaded and installed automatically.''

''Declining certain information may limit the functionality of the following features that rely on that information.''

*''Account Binding''

*''Config transfer''

*''DDNS''

*''Alexa''

*''IFTTT''

*''Google Assistant''

*''Remote Connection''

*''Notification''

*''AFC''

*''ASUS Expert Site Manager''

----

If a person decides on rejecting the data transfer, as written above, automatic firmware updates are being disabled and can't be enabled, unless the end-user accepts the privacy policy. (Re-enabling DDNS worked without the policy having been agreed with). The data being collected based on the text of the privacy policy:

----

''Please find the below details of ASUS Privacy Notice (Part 1) and ASUS EU Data Act Notice (Part 2):''

'''''Part 1: ASUS Privacy Notice:'''''

''Please refer to the details below about how ASUS protects your data collected through this Software or Interface:''

''1. For easier management of your ASUS Product(s) and related services (such as binding your ASUS Product(s) under your account via account log-in function), to provide functions of ASUS firmware and security upgrades, DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System for connecting ASUS Product(s) with changing or fixed IP address), third party’s voice-activated automation and remote control service, backup/transfer service for the configuration settings, management of multiple ASUS Products, management of multiple ASUS Products, mapping the location of ASUS Product(s), push notification, 6G AFC service (only available in certain countries), and to assess and improve ASUS services and improve stability, by clicking the “Agree” button on the previous page, you agree to provide the following personal data to ASUS, including: your login email address of this Software (for account log-in function), IP address, MAC address, DDNS name, location information (for 6G AFC service- latitude, longitude, height, temperature and air pressurTo protect children’s privacy, we will not collect the above personal data for children.''

''To protect children’s privacy, we will not collect the above personal data for children.''

''You also agree that in order to use voice-activated automation and remote control service, mapping the location of ASUS Product(s), 6G AFC service (only available in certain countries), and/or push notification function, ASUS will share your IP Address, Mac address, Mac address of nearby WiFi access point, latitude, longitude, height, FCCID and frequency information with the third party service providers and use SDKs (Software Development Kit) listed at <ref>[https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1053743/ https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1053743/].</ref>''

... (text cut here for easier read)

----

'''''Part 2: ASUS EU Data Act Notice (For EU products):'''''

''As required under Article 3 (2) of EU Data Act, please refer to the details below about your Product Data in connection with the Connected Product generated during your use of this Software/Interface:''

''1. Information about type, format and estimated volume of Product Data:''

''(1) The Connected Product generates the following type(s) of the Product Data: Data mentioned in Paragraph 1. in the above ASUS Privacy Notice''

''(2) Product Data is available in the following format(s): json, txt''

''(3) Estimated volume of the Product Data: 10 MB / per data''

''2. Information about whether the Connected Product is capable of generating the Product Data continuously and in real-time: Yes''

''3. Information about whether the Connected Product is capable of storing the Product Data on-device or on a remote server, including, where applicable, the intended duration of retention:''

''(1) The Connected Product is capable of storing the Product Data on server.''

''(2) Product Data is stored until you instruct us to delete it.''

''4. Information about how the user may access, retrieve or, where relevant, erase the Product Data, including the technical means to do so, as well as their terms of use and quality of service:''

''(1) The user can access, retrieve and erase the Product Data by submitting an application at “Customer’s Request on Personal Data” interface on ASUS official website.''

==References==

[[Category:Asus]]

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 ==Incidents==
 ===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===
-{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}
+{{Main|ASUS charges for previously free service}}
 In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.
@@ Line 28: / Line 29: @@
 Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010005/https://old.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ Archived])</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005411/https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%C2%B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 Archived])</ref>
-Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) </ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.
+Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops ASUS addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) </ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.
+==Privacy concerns==
+===Data collection in router firmware===
+On the 8th of April 2026, ASUS has activated a new Privacy Notice to all users of ASUS Routers. The statement is as follows:
+----
+''ASUS Privacy Notice / ASUS EU Data Act Notice''
+''Welcome to use this ASUS Software/web GUI/multi-site manager interface (“this Software”/ “this Interface”) for ASUS networking products (“ASUS Product”)!''
+''ASUS collects personal data in order to run and improve the products and/or services. You can visit the privacy settings page at "Administration > Policy" to change how this personal data is shared. Some personal data may also be shared with third parties for the above purposes. If you choose <Decline>, this Software or Interface may not work correctly, as personal data is needed for some essential functions. Click "here" for details.''
+''ASUS EU Data Act Notice (for EU products): During your use of this Software/Interface, your data (“Product Data”) in connection with this ASUS product (“Connected Product”) governed by the EU Data Act may be generated. Click "here" for details.''
+''<ref>[https://nw-dlcdnet.asus.com/support/forward.html?model=&type=Policy&lang=EN&kw=&num= Find out more in the ASUS Privacy Policy / ASUS EU Data Act Policy.]</ref>''
+''(To protect children’s privacy, generally this Software/Interface will not collect their personal data except when providing with upgrades addressing important security issues or meeting legal/regulatory requirements as mentioned in paragraph 2(1) of "Personal Data" page.)''
+----
+This text appears for every user of ASUS router products and can't be put aside until an absolute consent or decline is being pressed. If a user selects decline, the following text is displayed:
+----
+''Please be advised that disagreeing with ASUS PRIVACY NOTICE may result in the inability to update to the latest firmware version and unable to receive the most up-to-date protection on your ASUS networking products; However, to protect the security of your router and ensure the compliance with laws, for upgrades addressing important security issues or meeting legal/regulatory requirements , those upgrades will still be downloaded and installed automatically.''
+''Declining certain information may limit the functionality of the following features that rely on that information.''
+*''Account Binding''
+*''Config transfer''
+*''DDNS''
+*''Alexa''
+*''IFTTT''
+*''Google Assistant''
+*''Remote Connection''
+*''Notification''
+*''AFC''
+*''ASUS Expert Site Manager''
+----
+If a person decides on rejecting the data transfer, as written above, automatic firmware updates are being disabled and can't be enabled, unless the end-user accepts the privacy policy. (Re-enabling DDNS worked without the policy having been agreed with). The data being collected based on the text of the privacy policy:
+----
+''Please find the below details of ASUS Privacy Notice (Part 1) and ASUS EU Data Act Notice (Part 2):''
+'''''Part 1: ASUS Privacy Notice:'''''
+''Please refer to the details below about how ASUS protects your data collected through this Software or Interface:''
+''1. For easier management of your ASUS Product(s) and related services (such as binding your ASUS Product(s) under your account via account log-in function), to provide functions of ASUS firmware and security upgrades, DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System for connecting ASUS Product(s) with changing or fixed IP address), third party’s voice-activated automation and remote control service, backup/transfer service for the configuration settings, management of multiple ASUS Products, management of multiple ASUS Products, mapping the location of ASUS Product(s), push notification, 6G AFC service (only available in certain countries), and to assess and improve ASUS services and improve stability, by clicking the “Agree” button on the previous page, you agree to provide the following personal data to ASUS, including: your login email address of this Software (for account log-in function), IP address, MAC address, DDNS name, location information (for 6G AFC service- latitude, longitude, height, temperature and air pressurTo protect children’s privacy, we will not collect the above personal data for children.''
+''To protect children’s privacy, we will not collect the above personal data for children.''
+''You also agree that in order to use voice-activated automation and remote control service, mapping the location of ASUS Product(s), 6G AFC service (only available in certain countries), and/or push notification function, ASUS will share your IP Address, Mac address, Mac address of nearby WiFi access point, latitude, longitude, height, FCCID and frequency information with the third party service providers and use SDKs (Software Development Kit) listed at <ref>[https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1053743/ https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1053743/].</ref>''
+... (text cut here for easier read)
+----
+'''''Part 2: ASUS EU Data Act Notice (For EU products):'''''
+''As required under Article 3 (2) of EU Data Act, please refer to the details below about your Product Data in connection with the Connected Product generated during your use of this Software/Interface:''
+''1. Information about type, format and estimated volume of Product Data:''
+''(1) The Connected Product generates the following type(s) of the Product Data: Data mentioned in Paragraph 1. in the above ASUS Privacy Notice''
+''(2) Product Data is available in the following format(s): json, txt''
+''(3) Estimated volume of the Product Data: 10 MB / per data''
+''2. Information about whether the Connected Product is capable of generating the Product Data continuously and in real-time: Yes''
+''3. Information about whether the Connected Product is capable of storing the Product Data on-device or on a remote server, including, where applicable, the intended duration of retention:''
+''(1) The Connected Product is capable of storing the Product Data on server.''
+''(2) Product Data is stored until you instruct us to delete it.''
+''4. Information about how the user may access, retrieve or, where relevant, erase the Product Data, including the technical means to do so, as well as their terms of use and quality of service:''
+''(1) The user can access, retrieve and erase the Product Data by submitting an application at “Customer’s Request on Personal Data” interface on ASUS official website.''
 ==References==
 <references />
 [[Category:Asus]]